I believe that reading is one of the most valuable skills people can learn. Reading well benefits not only language arts classes, but all other subjects as well as we study texts and lab reports in science, read articles and non-fiction in social studies, and navigate word problems in math. Reading well allows us to research and learn, so that we can determine what we believe about a topic, rather than passively allowing media soundbites and sensational headlines to think for us. Reading makes us more empathetic people, as we read stories and walk in the shoes of the characters in them, exploring themes and experiences we might not have considered before.
For all these reasons, it is my goal to help my students rediscover (or, grow in) their love for reading. Most young children love books, but for various reasons, this affection has often dissolved by junior high. We all love story. This is a fairly universal human love. However, in our modern-day society we have traded in the experience of reading story for film, television, and video games. There are some fantastic stories being told in these mediums, but it's important to spend time with books as well. One of the great ways to do this is by reading for pleasure.
My students are asked to read at least two hours per week outside of school-selected readings. This means that every student should always have a self-selected reading choice: novel, non-fiction, or (occasionally) graphic novel. Two hours per week may seem like a lot to some students, but simply reading for 20 minutes per day will easily allow them to reach this goal. Because I believe in this so strongly, it is a required assignment (rather than an encouragement or suggestion). Students can all find time to read throughout the week - they might read on their bus ride home, or before they go to sleep at the end of their day. They can also find books to read in many areas, such as:
my classroom library
the school library
the public library - where library cards are now free to receive!
If you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask me! I look forward to increasing book culture with my students throughout the year.